Arizona Coyotes First Month Report Card

The Arizona Coyotes have wrapped up the first month of the season and it’s mixed bag.

October has come and gone, and November brings the start of the holiday season around the corner. So, after the first month how are the Arizona Coyotes doing? Well, it is pretty much like their 5-5-1 record. Some good. Some bad. Some meh.

Forwards: 

The saving grace for the team as a whole, has been the surprising play of the young kids. Max Domi is the star attraction with his quick shot, and uncanny view of the ice. Anthony Duclair has also gotten off to a fast start, while flashing his prodigious talent.  The Killer D’s are also enjoying the steady and workmanlike play of Martin Hanzal. The Czech center has been — for him, relatively healthy and in the Top 10 league-wide in assists.

More from Howling’ Hockey -> Arizona Coyotes Seek Consistency After 5-5-1 Start

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• How the Arizona Coyotes could line-up with Logan Cooley signed
• Report: Logan Cooley could be closer to signing Arizona Coyotes ELC
• Arizona Coyotes sign Matias Maccelli to three-year deal
• Ivan Prosvetov signs one-year deal with Arizona Coyotes
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Other young players performing well include Tobias Rieder, Jordan Martinook, and Tyler Gaudet. They have all played well despite their inexperience. As they grow they will only get better.

The veteran forwards such as Shane Doan, Mikkel Boedker,  and Antoine Vermette have played below my expectations. I shudder to think where the team would be without the elevated play of Domi and Duclair with the help of Hanzal.

GRADE: B-

Defense:

While the offense has been led by the rookies, the blue-line is being held down by Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and not much else.

More from Howlin' Hockey

• How the Arizona Coyotes could line-up with Logan Cooley signed
• Report: Logan Cooley could be closer to signing Arizona Coyotes ELC
• Arizona Coyotes sign Matias Maccelli to three-year deal
• Ivan Prosvetov signs one-year deal with Arizona Coyotes
• Arizona Coyotes cut Galchenyuk after reported police incident

It has been a sieve, and not a hallmark of a Dave Tippett coached team. Over the first 11 games this year the Coyotes are giving up an average of 2.91 goals-per-game which is 21st in the NHL. Not a stat indicative of long-term success, nor what Coach Tippett wants.

The Coyotes must do a better job of clearing the puck, and gaining quality possessions. The two-fold effect would be to help Mike Smith, and also increase the scoring chances for the offense.

GRADE: C-

Goalies:

After nice play during the first couple games of the season, goaltender Mike Smith regressed. His poor play is similar to the type of performance exhibited early last year. Smith has a 3.18 GAA and a save percentage of .902%. He was pulled just after 3 shots against Vancouver because he gave up 2 goals. Smith is not entirely to blame, since the defense has not been adequate in front of him. Regardless, he has not been sharp at all, save the first two games of the year.

Anders Lindback has been solid in relief of Smith. He has a much lower GAA of  1.66 and a higher save percentage of .935%.. Lindback, who played last season for the Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars, might be forced into carrying a larger load if Smith is not up to the job.

Grade: D

Next: Arizona Coyotes Anthony Duclair Verdict Is In

Based upon what we have seen so far, the Arizona Coyotes will not win the Stanley Cup this year. I do not think anyone in their right mind would have thought that was possible. What we do see is very good potential. If the rookies continue to develop, and the defense gets better; there is more consistent play from Smith, the Coyotes have a chance to improve over last years’ record. Come to think of it, that wouldn’t take much of an effort at all.

Last year was so bad that there was only one way to go… and that’s UP.